Double Gold for Elise Christie at World Cup 3

There has been more success for 500m world record holder Elise Christie on day three of the ISU World Cup in China.

A gold medal win in both the 500m (1) and 500 (2) events in Shanghai, makes Christie seem unstoppable in this distance and is now number one in the world rankings ahead of former world record holder Kexin Fan of China, and gold medalist in Salt Lake City in November, Marianne St-Gelais of Canada.

The 500m (2) final today was reasonably straightforward, Elise staying ahead and winning in 42.734s, in comparison with the tussle and two restarts in Saturday’s 500 (1) final (43.590s).

On her results she commented:

“I’m happy with my two golds and feel my equipment is better. I didn't assume I’d get the titles especially being on Kexin Fan’s home ground.

“Today’s final was a lot smoother than Saturdays, I took a few knocks in that first final and was bumped around quite a bit."

Following her domination in the 500m Elise is switching focus to the longer distances at the next World Cup event in PyeongChang, the home of the 2018 Olympic Games.

“I’m looking to work on the other distances now, concentrating on the 1000m next. I can’t wait to see the new venue in PyeongChang, I’ve heard it’s really nice and so I’m looking forward to getting comfortable and used to the ice there."

There have been other notable successes for the team with a lot of individual progress. Kathryn Thomson and Joshua Cheetham both made quarter finals of their events.

Joshua, 24 was in the 500m (2) quarter finals , raced 42.352 , another personal best this weekend for him (previously 42.551). He reflected: “Leading into the competition, training has been quite intense and I’ve worked hard, I’m happy to have been able to transfer that into the races."

"I’m looking forward to the next event in Korea, I want to carry on the momentum I have gained, and getting to know the next Olympic venue and the conditions.

“The overall performances of the team seem to be getting stronger and stronger, the positivity of the group and our commitment to training has put us in a good position and I feel that is helping us go forward as a unit and team."

Kathryn Thomson, 20, raced a fantastic time of 1.31.812 in the 1000m event, another personal best for her this week and a massive jump from 1.33.202.

Team captain Charlotte Gilmartin made the A final of the 1500m on Saturday, narrowly missing out on a medal with 4th place and a time of 2.29.205. The event was won by Suk Hee Shim of Korea in 2.28.937 . Charlotte said of her performance: “I’m happy with my racing, but disappointed I didn’t get a medal. It was a hard final, but I know I skated well.

“I have two 4th places in a row now, and I’m looking to get on the medal table this season."

The ladies relay team, Gilmartin, Elise Christie, Jennifer Pickering and Samantha Morrison finished with an 8th place. The event was won by Korea. Charlotte went on to say:

“We made some great moves and kept up in the race, there were lots of overtakes and our strategy was good, if we can keep the level up it’s looking positive for the next World Cup”.